Winners!! And something cute, too!

I know I should have posted this earlier, but life has a crazy way of getting in the way.

Anyways, the winner of the LinzGutz Jewelry Giveaway is......

Congrats Jessica! I know you will love the piece and wear it well! Send me an email with your mailing info so I can get it out to you! 

And the winner of the Double Ad Space Giveaway is.....

Congrats Itchelita!! I am so happy for you! Send me an email or check yours soon!! Your button will launch on both blogs tomorrow!

And in case you didnt win anything, here is something to cheer up your day!
I was fooling around with iMovie on my computer (aka reading the help section a lot!) and I put together this silly little video.

Happy Thursday!

Chambray and Pink

Chambray Shirt- Target

Pink Skinny Jeans- Sanctuary Clothing

Leopard Print Flats- Target

Braided Necklace- Forever 21

Rose Gold Watch- Fossil

Sunglasses- Kate Spade

     This Chambray shirt has proven to be one of the most versatile pieces in my wardrobe. It is easy to wear and looks good with nearly everything else I pair it with. My love for this shirt (and the frequency in which I wear it) is bordering on insanity. I am currently in the market for one in a dark wash, but with a smaller price tag then the one I am currently drooling over from Madewell. If you know of any chambray secrets, help a sister out!

     Now these pink pants, I am in love. I actually felt REALLY uncomfortable the first day I wore them, like I was the most shocking and bright person in the world, but I slowly got more comfortable and confident in them. They are the perfect shade of pink, not too bright, not too boring. I had been looking for colored denim that fit my body (I'm not rail straight, and definitely not lacking in the ba-donk) everywhere and this pair from Sanctuary Clothing at Nordstrom fit the bill!

     I was trying on colored jeans on everywhere, even going in to stores I don't even shop at to see if they had the magical pair of bright denim. I swear, the sales people probably thought I was color blind taking in so may various colors and styles into the fitting rooms! But once I found these (and for a steal!) the search was over! I even managed to scoop them up in a deep purple as well.

Life Lately V.4

Life Lately is now bigger and better! This link up is a collaboration between The Weekend File and Life on Leroy, every blog that links up will be shown on both host blogs! This means more blogs to read, and new bloggers to mingle with! The link party will still be every other Monday, and stay open for one week! Link up any life related post below! 

A little (well large, actually) Birthday banner that I found hanging in my living room window when I came home from lunch on my birthday! My friend Rachel handmade the whole thing! I may or may not  have left it up for an additional week!

Boyfriend totally surprised me by getting me a new computer! MacBook Air baby! I was so excited and so shocked!

Found a great hidden little park that over looks  Lido Island and PCH! Took the puppy on a walk there on a sunny saturday morning!

Quick outfit snap for my Instagram ladies for a day of shopping with my mom. Loving my Purple pants!

Cam literally thisclose to a Pelican on the Balboa Pier! After this photo he flew at me and I screamed, but how cool to get this close! 

Presents from boyfriend work trip to Paris! I teased him that my present better be in an orange bag, and crazy him actually bought me a scarf from Hermes! I don't think I have ever had something this nice, ever! Im scared to wear it!!

Of course the only thing boyfriend thinks of when getting off of a 12 hour flight from France is heading to the nearest In-n-Out! Love being able to sit outside on the patio in the sunshine and enjoy a burger and a milkshake! Summer time is here!!

Put this little guy in my bike basket and went for a stroll around the neighborhood and he loved it! I was so happy he sat there and enjoyed the ride, because normally he hates the car or anything moving.

A quick outfit shot before starting my new job... at Anthropologie! I am so excited to be a part of my local Anthro team The girls are all so nice (and so stylish!) and I already feel so inspired being there. Kinda nervous to start something new, but a good nervous! And really nervous I am going to spend all of my paychecks there.. yikes! 

Please link up your Life Lately post below!
All we ask is that you please follow your hosts, The Weekend File and Life on Leroy via GFC!

Don't forget to take the button and post the code on the bottom of your post! 

I will make it my goal to stop by and comment on each and every entry.

<a href="http://theweekendfile.blogspot.com/search/label/linkup" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v14/dontcryemoboy/lifelately.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a>

Double Ad Space Giveaway!

I have a treat for you guys today!! I have teamed up with Megan from Chasing Davies to offer 1 of you the opportunity to win an ad space in June on BOTH of our blogs! 1 winner takes all! This is a great giveaway to get your blog some great exposure, or highlight your shop or Etsy store! 

The Details:
One winner will get an ad on Chasing Davies AND The Weekend File for the entire month of June.

Before you enter...
You must be able to provide these two ad units prior to June 1st:
- 180x180 ad size for The Weekend File
- 160x160 ad size for Chasing Davies

This will be a Rafflecoptor giveaway, hosted on both of our blogs! Make sure to enter multiple times for more chances to win! Winner will be randomly chosen on May 31st! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sponsored Post: Holiday Style

Holiday style for women who love their curves

If you were to spend your time browsing through the array of celebrity magazines and tabloid newspapers that stock British shelves these days, you may be fooled into believing that all women should aspire to the pencil-like perfection of the pop-stars and A (or even Z) Listers.

Inundated with the latest holiday snaps shouting about Beyoncé’s ‘piled on pounds’ or Lindsay Lohan’s ‘less-than-toned’ abs, you may want to mourn the days when curvaceous women were celebrated, nay adored. But fear not, curvy ladies – as this year’s holiday season approaches, it’s time to embrace your curves and salute your stature with some sexy plus size swimwear.

In the not too distant past, plus size swimwear for women consisted of unsightly, frumpish garments that hardly had women flocking to the beach to show off their best bits. Now, however, with online stores such as isme.com showcasing designer plus size swimwear collections for ladies of all shapes and sizes, curvy beach lovers have cause for celebration.

Perhaps you want to go for a flirty push-up tankini top with matching briefs? It’s certainly an eye-catching choice, and we all like to turn a few heads when we’re away on holiday. If your style is more traditional and you’d like a simple swimsuit that complements your curves, then why not try the Resort Magic Lose-an inch Swimsuit available from isme.com; an elegant and practical choice.

If you don’t feel particularly confident lounging by the pool in swimwear, there’s no need to despair. Rather than baring all in a bikini, you can always opt for an ultra-feminine and seamlessly stylish swimdress – they’re comfortable and concealing for those hot days of sun bathing, but also ideal if you want to cool off with a quick swim without getting changed or shedding any layers. Most designs come with moulded cups and shapewear fitting to give your holiday body a great silhouetted shape.

So, whatever your destination this year, why not ditch the shorts and t-shirt attire and really celebrate your curves this summer?

Birthday Suit

White Ruffled Top- Forever 21

Black Blazer- LC Lauren Conrad

Polka Dot Pants- Topshop

Black Peep Toe Heels- Target

Five Triangles Necklace- c/o Shlomit Ofir

Renegade Bracelet- c/o Stella & Dot

'H' Initial Watch- Urban Outfitters

     Friday, May 11th, was my birthday! To say it was a great day would be an understatement. I had what I am dubbing a 'Progressive Birthday'. I woke up to find a card and present from the dog, I lad lunch and more presents with my parents who came to visit. While I was at lunch my BFF snuck in and hung up a glittery "Feliz Cumpleanos" banner in my window and boyfriend also brought home tons of balloons. Then Rachel and I headed for pedicures and coffee. I got to spend extra time with Geoff who came home early, and he gave me the best present ever... a MacBook Air! I was so speechless and shocked, there were almost tears. I can't believe how ancient and slow my original MacBook was compared to this! Then we had a lovely dinner with friends at Ecco (a delicious Italian restaurant at The Camp) followed by drinks and cake (an adorable Susie Cakes celebration cake!) back at our house. All day there was something and someone one and I felt so special and loved. Honestly one of my best birthdays yet. A huge "Thank You!" to everyone who was a part of it, sent me a birthday message and just thought of me that day. 

Ultimate Spring Skin Survival Guide

As part of the DailyBuzz Style Program, I received free Clear Tone Deodorant and a stipend from Dove. However, my opinions are entirely my own.

For a California native, Spring might just be my favorite time of year. The flowers are blooming, the sun is shining, and the cool wind blows in at night making it perfect for spending nearly all day outdoors. Whether it is riding bikes at the beach or hanging out with my puppy and a good book at the park there is one thing I am always worried about... staying fresh and cool and looking put together in the warmer weather. 

Always within an arms reach is sunscreen (a daily must have, even if the sky is cloudy), a cute fedora, a scarf for cooler weather, oversized sunglasses and endless amounts of water. Staying hydrated while in the sun is the most important for me to feel fresh.

But beyond that there are the things we don't talk about. Makeup melting and looking messy as the day goes on, and feeling sweaty and hot in my cutest of Spring dresses. One thing that has become a Spring skin staple is my Dove Clear Tone Deodorant. Not only does it smell amazingly fresh (thanks to Calendula and Sunflower Seed extracts), it is incredibly moisturizing and visibly reduces dark marks and irritation that happen from shaving. 

As a person who always battled with sweaty underarms and avoiding silk blouses, the Dove Clear Tone Clinical Protection is the perfect answer for me. I put it on before bed and its 24 hour protection works over night, making sure I am cool and content and ready to enjoy the following day. 

LinzGutz Jewelry Giveaway

Lindsey from LinzGutz Jewelry on Etsy makes some very pretty bracelets and necklaces with pretty, colorful stones, crosses and hearts! 

I have been wearing my super girly Mari Rose Bracelet everywhere, and currently lusting over the matching necklace! 

Today one of you has the chance to win the stunning Sophia Magenta Quartz Bracelet! 

Mandatory To Enter:

- Be a follower of The Weekend File via Google Friend Connect, and leave a comment telling me what outfit you would pair this bracelet with this summer! (1 entry)
- Add LinzGutz to your Etsy Favorites.

Additional Entries:

-Favorite the 'Sophia Magenta Quartz Bracelet' on Etsy.

- Follow me (@imhayley) on Twitter.
- Follow Lindsey (@linzgutz) on Twitter.

- Follow me (@im_hayley) on Instagram.
- Like LinzGutz on Facebook.

- Add The Weekend File on Bloglovin.

- Tweet/Blog about this giveaway (make sure to leave the tweet or post URL in your comment and include a link back to this giveaway!)

That is 9 ways to enter. Please leave a seperate comment for each. Giveaway will end on 5/25 @ Midnight.
Good Luck!

Bubblegum Alley

Red Jacket- Forever 21

Tribal Print Tank- Forever 21

Jeans- Divine Rights of Denim

Sandals- Issac Mizrahi

Knit Infinity Scarf- Forever 21

Saddle Bag- H&M

"L" Necklace- Flea Market Girl

Bracelets- c/o Stella & Dot, Forever 21

     So while we were on our road trip in San Luis Obispo we had a free evening to wander the town. We went and stopped for some pizza at Woodstocks, wandered the shops and main drag, headed into a pub for a drink and managed to find Bubblegum Alley! I had always heard of this place, but had forgotten it was in SLO. I was disappointed it was so dark when we got there, but it made a fun (and pretty disgusting) spot for a quick outfit shoot.  

     I really loved this outfit, and I am glad we managed to snap some photos of this look! I had just bought this red jacket, and was afraid I was going to look like a barbershop quartet member, but it was the perfect color to compliment this fun blouse! And my new "L" charm necklace? For my sweet boy Lewis, I just love it so much! 

Update- For those who asked, YES! I did leave some gum, too!

(photos by my iPhone and Rachel)

Buttoned Up

Navy Jacket- Anthropologie

Yellow Gingham  Button-up- Old Navy

Jeans- Citizens of Humanity

Boots- Sofft

Hammered Gold Necklace- Forever 21

Starburst Ring- Forever 21

Boyfriend Watch- Fossil

Vintage Clutch- Thrifted

     Trying to take these outfit photos was like risking my life for art. Or something. It was so windy, my hair was literally tying itself in knots. And the wind with my contacts? It gives me grumpy face and tears just flow out of my eyes uncontrollably. But, I figured you might have wanted to see this look so I braved the elements. Just look at my cute boots and my amazing clutch I scored for $2 in perfect condition, and ignore the rest.

     Also, I wanted to ask my readers... I am thinking about starting a shop my closet, or using Poshmark or Smashion to sell some pieces I want to get rid of. Would you want to see those items listed here or another site? What do you prefer to use to sell your items? I have a ton of tops, sweaters and dresses I want to sell pretty affordably so they find new homes and free up some closet space. Let me know what you guys would want to see, or if you would be interested in buying my items!

Meet The May Sponsors

Everyone in the blogging community is familiar with Karen Kane by now! She makes lovely pieces for women that fit well and are made of the most incredible fabrics. Check out the new Summer Arrivals, full of gorgeous black and white basics, and vibrant and colorful standout pieces! 

 

Christa Jae is the lovely lady behind my amazing blog design. If you are looking for a fresh, clean look, she is for gal! And if you are local to So Cal and are looking for a photographer for your special day, check her out here as well!

 

Shlomit Ofir is a designer from Tel Aviv who makes the most incredibly gorgeous golden jewelry. Every time I visit the site, I find myself lusting over a new piece! I love the new Africa Collection, with all of the great shapes and different layers. I have worn my Five Triangles Necklace to weddings, out to dinner, and on my Birthday and it has quickly become one of my favorite pieces! 

Lucky you, they are offering you 10% off of your order for the entire month just enter hayley647491 at checkout!

 

Madison Elizabeth clutches on Etsy are handmade with the best attention to detail and look just as good on the inside as they do on the outside. I love my grey dipped in teal bag, and I am currently lusting over the red dipped in black! 

You can still enjoy 10% off of her Etsy shop with the code theweekendfile until the end of May!

 

Who doesn't want some incredibly fun and sassy bling in their life? Derng is selling out pieces left and right, which is no surprise because the pieces are affordable and totally cute! Emily is the sweetest gal and her pieces are perfect to add to your wrist! I just got the Gilles necklace in gunmetal and I love it!

  

If you are looking for a well fitting striped shirt then look no further! I love my striped shirts from Stripedshirt.com and you will too! Perfectly fitted for a woman's body, no itchy tag in the back, and long enough to make wearing it completely comfortable! Not to mention, they also have stripes for your man or little one too!

 

Stitchfix is a personal stylist service that picks out pieces for you based on a style profile and items show up right to your doorstep! I have loved receiving my fixes and it is so fun to try on the pieces selected for me n the comfort of my own home and try styling it all different ways! To sign up to this popular service and get on the list to start receiving your fixes, just click here! 

Gorgeous jewelry handmade and inspired by the islands of Greece. Every time I wear my Oia Jules pieces, I feel like I am wearing something special, and I always get compliments and comments on them! I am currently drooling over the Gold Chain and Pave Link Bracelet!

LinzGutz Jewelry on Etsy is cute, dainty and totally pretty! I love the pops of color from stones or added little special details. No matter if you like gold, silver, black or teals and pink stones there is a little something for everybody! 

Below are some awesome and fun blogs I swapped with for the month of May. Stop by and check out these lovely ladies.